St Padre Pio of Pietrelcina

Padre Pio got the whole world’s attention through his charisma and his spiritual gifts: the stigmata, the enchanting scent he gave off, the prophecies, the gift of knowing hearts, and converting of people through his prayers. Saint Pio lived his entire religious life in obedience, prayer, and humility.

Life in the convent for Padre Pio was a long, painful ordeal that he underwent as he participated in Christ’s suffering for the salvation of people’s souls: "Jesus, my heart’s desire and my life, today as I raise you up in trembling hands, in a mystery of love, may I be, with you, for the world, Way, Truth and Life, and for you a holy priest, a perfect victim."

Through his letters to his spiritual leaders, we discover the passion that St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina had for humanity and for God: "I am devoured by the love for God and the love for the neighbor.” – “I am only sure of one thing: that my heart loves a lot; it’s made to love." His faith in the love of God is what drove Saint Pio to put his life on the line as a ransom for his brothers and sisters. "Either forgive these people or erase me from the book of life" Padre Pio was beatified on May 2nd, 1999 and canonized on June 16th, 2002, by Pope John Paul II.

Padre Pio’s five Rules for Living a Holy Life

I. Weekly Confession:

Padre Pio said "Confession is a cleansing of the soul. You should do it at least once a week. I don't want people's souls to be away from confession for more than a week. Even a clean room that's unoccupied gathers dust; come back after a week and you'll see that the room needs to be dusted again."

II. Daily Communion:

Padre Pio said "It's true, we are not worthy to receive Jesus! However, considering yourself unworthy is normal. But going to take the Holiest of Sacraments in a sinful state is a mortal sin and is very serious. We are all unworthy, but Jesus is inviting us; it's Him who wants us to do it. Let us humble ourselves and receive it with a contrite heart that's full of love."

III. Examination of Conscience Every Evening:

Someone once told Padre Pio that doing a examination of conscience every evening was pointless because people know the sins they're committing when they're doing them. In response to this, Padre Pio said: "All the merchants in this world, throughout the day, keep track if they were winners or losers in their sales. At the end of each day, they run the numbers and see where they can make improvements for the next day's sales. It follows that it's critical to do a brief, in-depth, honest examination of conscience every night."

IV. Daily scripture reading:

Padre Pio said "It gives me chills to think of the damage that's done to people's souls when they don't read the holy scriptures. The spiritual power that comes from scripture reading shows us sinners the way, and it guides us on a path of love and perfection."

V. Twice-daily Prayer:

Padre Pio said "If you're not able to pray well, don't stop doing your duty. If there are lots of distractions, don't be discouraged. Decide how long you will pray and don't move until you're done. Why worry about not being able to pray how you'd like? Prayer is a way to reach God, prayer itself is not the goal. Prayer looks to the love of God and your neighbor. Love God with all your soul and love your neighbor as yourself; this is the only way to truly say you've prayed."